2009-2008

News Release

REF NO.: 2

SUBJECT: Newfoundland and Labrador gets connected: new national multi-gigabit computing network completed

DATE: September 8, 2008

               Newfoundland and Labrador now has a stronger connection to research and educational intuitions across the country via a new national multi-gigabit network launched today.
            The new fibre link – part of the Atlantic Canada Organization of Research Networks, Newfoundland and Labrador (ACORN-NL) -- will enable projects such as delivering music lessons from Holy Heart of Mary High School to students across the country and around the world. As well, researchers from government, along with other organizations, will enhance the Global Atmospheric Ocean Prediction Program, providing real-time weather forecasting to Canadians. Such access to a larger national network puts Newfoundland and Labrador on an equal footing with other provinces that already have high-speed research grids.
            The network was created with support from CANARIE Inc., Canada's advanced network organization. CANARIE is based in Ottawa and facilitates the development and use of its network as well as the advanced products, applications and services that run on it.
             "CANARIE has a long standing partnership with Memorial University which has seen the creation of a high speed education and research network within Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Dr. Chris Loomis, vice-president (research) at Memorial. “This network connects the College of the North Atlantic, the Eastern School District and Memorial University to national and international research assets."
            Dr. Andrew Bjerring, president and CEO of CANARIE, noted that the network has been inspired both by the needs of researchers and the nature of technology itself.
            “Advances in computing and communications technology have given today’s researchers significant capabilities for exploration in a range of fields, but these increasing capabilities also generate the need for institutions, such as Memorial University, to co-operate with other institutions on projects and initiatives. The network that we are celebrating today is a bridge to innovation and increased competitiveness, not just for Newfoundland and Labrador, but for Canada as well.”
            ACORN-NL is supported by AceNet, a consortium of universities, based at Memorial and which is dedicated to enhancing computation related to research. "With the completion of this National Network, the Research community in Newfoundland and Labrador is able to build collaborative relationships with colleagues especially in Atlantic Canada,” said Graham Mowbray, director of ACEnet at Memorial. “The nine-member ACEnet consortium avails of this very high speed network to share huge data files, videoconference and move high performance computing projects anywhere in Atlantic Canada. This is a significant development for the university and the province."
 
About ACORN-NL
The Atlantic Canada Organization of Research Networks, Newfoundland and Labrador (ACORN-NL) is dedicated to the implementation and formalization of a regional advanced network in Newfoundland and Labrador that links the post-secondary institutions, their major research centres and the K-12 system. It facilitates research activities of these institutions and complements the innovations and broadband strategies of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. ACORN-NL is made possible by significant resources provided by Canarie and is managed by Memorial University.
                                                                                                         
About CANARIE
CANARIE Inc., based in Ottawa, is Canada's advanced network organization. It facilitates the development and use of its network as well as the advanced products, applications and services that run on it. The CANARIE Network serves universities, colleges, schools, government labs, research institutes, hospitals and other organizations in a wide variety of fields in both the public and private sectors. By promoting and participating in strategic collaborations among key sectors, and by partnering with peer networks and organizations around the world, CANARIE Inc. stimulates and supports research, innovation and growth, bringing economic, social, and cultural benefits to Canadians. The national organization was created in 1993 by the private sector and academia under the leadership of the Government of Canada. CANARIE Inc. is supported by membership fees, with major funding of its programs and activities provided by the Government of Canada.

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